Everton faces a 12-point deduction after the Premier League proposed a record fine for allegedly violating Financial Fair Play (FFP) laws.
The Toffees, who narrowly avoided relegation in the past two seasons, are said to have breached Premier League financial regulations. It is thought that English football's top league wants them to be severely punished and set a good example.
If found guilty, the maximum penalty Everton will face is a huge 12-point deduction. Based on the current table, that would leave them bottom of the table with -5 points. Such a punishment could have been enough to relegate them in the past two seasons.
This will also be the largest point deduction in Premier League history. Portsmouth were deducted nine points for entertaining behavior in 2010, while Middlesbrough were deducted three points for briefly postponing a match because there were not enough players on the field in 1997.
Both teams were later relegated. Even without such severe punishment, Everton is still among the candidates at risk of relegation. They are currently ranked 16th in the Premier League rankings - only 3 points above the drop zone.
If they receive a 12-point ban, they will be 11 points away from the safe area. According to The Telegraph, Everton's case is being considered by an independent committee. They, NOT the Premier League, will make the final decision.
Everton is said to have had a financial loss of £371.8 million, exceeding its budget by £266.8 million. Everton believe they have complied with the regulations and will “vigorously defend” their position. They will argue that exemptions, including Covid-related exemptions, are the source of their losses.
They believe this will be enough to satisfy the independent commission. Other sanctions were also introduced, such as fines, transfer embargoes or more lenient points deductions. However, the Premier League wants the book thrown at Everton.
The Toffees are currently in the midst of a takeover saga. American company 777 Partners is in the process of buying Farhad Moshiri's 94% stake in the club. Mirror Football understands the takeover is expected to go ahead as planned.
The Premier League announced Everton's alleged breach in March and has not commented publicly on the matter since then. They said: “The proceedings before the committee, in accordance with Premier League regulation W.82, will be confidential and heard in camera.
“In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.2, the committee's final decision will be published on the Premier League website. The league will not make any further comment until then. »